The best way to travel by train from Hanoi to Halong Bay

Ha Long Bay is a popular tourist attraction in Quang Ninh Province, Northern Vietnam. Its breathtaking scenery of sloping mountains and crystal-clear water reflecting the limestone karsts makes it an ideal destination for a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Taking the train from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay is the easiest and safest way to reach the location. The scenic route will leave you in awe throughout your journey.

Getting by train from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay

Halong Bay is located in the northeast of Vietnam, around 165 km away from the capital city of Hanoi. There are different ways to travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay, such as private cars, shuttle buses, luxury buses, and trains. The fastest options are taking a flight or a shuttle bus/luxury bus. You can also take a local bus or a train, but note that the train service from Yen Vien Station to Halong Station is currently suspended.

To explore Halong Bay and Cat Ba Island, you have various transportation options available, including a shuttle bus, luxury bus, local bus, private car, and private taxi. These options offer flexibility and convenience to cater to different preferences and budgets.

Hanoi to Halong Bay Train and Its Reverse Journey

In the present day, traveling has become effortless where one can conveniently purchase tickets online and arrive at the station prior to the train’s departure. To ensure a smooth trip with a fixed itinerary, individuals can opt for round-trip tickets while departing and returning to avoid ticket unavailability or neglecting to book tickets.

Train Schedule and Ticket Prices for Hanoi to Halong Bay

Get complete information on the train schedules, ticket prices, and necessary procedures for traveling from Hanoi to Halong Bay by train.

Train Fare for Hanoi to Halong Bay Route

The ticket price ranges from $3 to $5 depending on the type of seat selected (soft or hard seat).

• The ticket price includes insurance.
• The fare may vary based on certain conditions such as time of ticket purchase, train category, and carriage location.

Important Points to Note While Booking Tickets

Ticket exchange time and fees:

• Individual tickets can be exchanged 24 hours or more before the train’s departure with a fee of 20,000 VND per ticket. Tickets cannot be exchanged within 24 hours of departure, and ticket exchange is not applicable for group tickets.
• For individual tickets purchased before the train’s departure, there is a 10% fee if changed 4 hours or more prior to departure, a 20% fee if changed within 4 hours of departure, and no fee if not changed.
• For group tickets purchased before the train’s departure, there is a 10% fee if changed 72 hours or more prior to departure, no fee if changed between 24 to 72 hours prior to departure, and no ticket purchase is allowed within 24 hours of departure.

Mode of ticket payment:

• Passengers can pay for their tickets online through the railway’s ticketing website, app, or third-party train ticket purchasing applications or directly at the station.
• Passengers who purchase tickets through other modes and wish to exchange them must return the ticket along with the original identification document of the passenger or buyer at the station, ensuring the train pass information matches the passenger’s identification document.

Halong Bay Cruise Timetable from Hanoi by Train

Schedule of Arrival at Hanoi or Hai Phong Station:

The train passes through the stations of Ha Noi – Gia Lam – Hai Duong – Phu Thai – Thuong Thuong Ly – Hai Phong, and offers the following time frames:

• 6:00 AM – 8:25 AM
• 9:20 AM – 12:00 PM
• 3:15 PM – 6:00 PM
• 6:10 PM – 8:55 PM

Each trip takes about 2.25-2.45 hours.

There are multiple routes to reach Halong Bay from Hanoi, each with a different schedule. Choose the right time frame that suits your travel needs. The same applies to other train journeys.

Pros and Cons of Taking the Hanoi-Halong Railway

Advantages

Affordable and Safe: Train tickets cost around US$4 per person for a one-way journey, making it a budget-friendly choice. The railway route also has an exclusive and separate path, reducing the risk of accidents.

Scenic Views: The train’s slow pace allows you to enjoy picturesque landscapes along the journey. You can also interact with locals and learn about their daily lives, creating unique experiences.

Ideal for Budget Travelers: Backpackers and tourists with a limited budget can benefit from the affordable fares and local experiences offered by the train.

Disadvantages

The 7-hour train journey may not be suitable for short trips of one or two days, limiting your time in Halong Bay. However, it can be an enjoyable experience for longer trips.

Limited Amenities and Daily Schedule for Halong Bay Train

The train to Halong Bay has outdated facilities, making it less popular among travelers. The lack of maintenance and modern amenities such as air-conditioning, free WiFi, and LCD screens may not provide a comfortable journey. Moreover, only hard seats are available, which can be challenging during long hours of travel.

In addition, there is only one train per day from Hanoi to Halong Bay, limiting flexibility in choosing departure times. Furthermore, the train departs from Hanoi early in the morning, inconveniencing some passengers.

To reach Yen Vien Station, approximately 11km away from the Hanoi Old Quarter, you will need to arrange taxi transfers between your hotel and the train station. Similarly, you will also need to arrange your own transportation from Halong Station to the cruise ports and vice versa. These additional costs may add up to your budget.

A Guide to Booking a Train Ticket from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay

Booking train tickets for the journey from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay has become effortless with online booking platforms. Simply visit Vietnam Railways’ website and select your preferred language. Then, select your departure point, destination, mode of transportation, and time, and fill in the required information. Click ‘Search’ to view detailed information about trains and choose a seat. The process is straightforward, and the advantages of traveling by train include simplicity and convenience.

To select your seat, click on the car on the train and a map of available seats will be displayed below. Choose an empty seat, and it will be added to your cart for payment.

1. Select your desired seat and click ‘Buy Tickets’.
2. Enter passenger information, including full name, ID or passport number, date of birth, and customer object.
3. Enter booking information: Your full name, ID number/passport, email, and mobile number correctly.
4. Enter invoice information if needed.
5. Choose your payment method (prepaid or postpaid).
6. If successful, you will receive an email notification with a reservation code to print your tickets at the station.
7. After booking, you can check your reservation status by entering three specific details.

Video Tutorials

• Guide to purchasing tickets and making online payments
• Instructions for buying tickets and paying post-billing
• Instructions for queue registration
• Guidelines on the ticket payment process

Customer Support Call Center of Vietnam Railways

• Telephone: 19006469
• Email: support1@dsvn.vn
• Alternate email: support2@dsvn.vn

What are the must-try experiences when traveling from Hanoi to Halong Bay?

A Halong Bay cruise is a can’t-miss experience when traveling from Hanoi to Halong Bay. It offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the breathtaking beauty of the bay, surrounded by towering limestone karsts and pristine turquoise waters. On a Halong Bay cruise, you can engage in various activities such as kayaking, swimming, visiting stunning caves, and enjoying stunning sunsets. Paradise Vietnam is a top choice for travelers exploring Halong Bay, offering a variety of Halong Bay cruises with exceptional services and stunning itineraries.